Jones Pond

Jones Pond is a popular fishing, paddling, and camping destination. Its ease of access, connectivity with a couple other ponds, and 7 primitive camp sites make it a worthwhile destination for both day use and an overnight trip. 

How to get there

From the intersection of Route 86 and Route 30 in Paul Smiths, follow Route 86 toward Saranac Lake. Continue to Jones Pond Road on the left. Follow here to the north end of Jones Pond at the state access site.

Fishing & ice fishing

Jones Pond is shallow, full of cattails, lily pads, and other aquatic vegetation. Its good habitat for northern pike, yellow perch, brown bullhead, and sunfish. During the winter, the access to the pond makes it a great option for ice fishing with kids or a group of people. 

Paddling

The hand launch site at the north end of Jones Pond (which also can accommodate boats with trolling motors or small engines) can be the jumping off point for a short, less than half day, paddle around the perimeter of the pond. If you want to extend the day, paddling to the marshy western side of the pond leads to the connection between Jones and Osgood Pond. Beavers can be active in the area, so be prepared to possibly experience a blockage, and have to portage around.